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Head on Straight
Rock · 2002 · 12 tracks

Head on Straight

Tonic

Tonic's Grammy-nominated third album, "Head on Straight," delivers a polished blend of alternative rock and post-grunge, featuring Emerson Hart's earnest vocals, driving guitars, and subtle rootsy ins

September 24, 2002 · Universal Records

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This is the sound of a band hitting their stride, delivering anthemic, emotionally resonant rock with a pristine polish. "Head on Straight" feels like a classic 2000s alternative rock album, expertly produced by Bob Rock, where every guitar riff is sharp, every drum hit impactful, and Emerson Hart's vocals soar with earnest conviction. It's an album that balances driving energy with moments of thoughtful introspection, incorporating subtle touches of lap steel and mandolin to add a unique, rootsy depth to its otherwise stadium-ready sound. Perfect for those who appreciate well-crafted rock that feels both powerful and deeply personal.

Tracklist · 12 Tracks
01
Roses
3:27
02
Take Me as I Am
3:36
03
Count on Me (Somebody)
3:48
04
Do You Know?
3:47
05
Head on Straight
3:45
06
Liar
2:55
07
On Your Feet Again
3:54
08
Come Rest Your Head
4:28
09
Ring Around Her Finger
4:21
10
Believe Me
3:29
11
Irish
5:07
12
Let Me Go
5:54
Moments Worth Listening For
The powerful, soaring chorus of "Take Me As I Am," where Emerson Hart's vocals reach an anthemic peak, perfectly complemented by the driving guitar riffs.
The unexpected, yet perfectly integrated, lap steel guitar solo on a mid-album track, adding a distinctive rootsy texture to the otherwise polished rock sound.
A moment on a ballad where the instrumentation strips back to just acoustic guitar and a subtle string arrangement, allowing the raw emotion of the vocals to take center stage.
The album's opening track, which immediately establishes the polished, dynamic rock sound with a memorable riff and a powerful rhythmic foundation.
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Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does Head on Straight sound next to the rest of Tonic's catalogue?

Hopeful+2.1σ

Hopeful saturates this record far more than the artist's norm.

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